Cyanobacteria-mediated heavy metal and xenobiotic bioremediation

Abstract

Overpopulation and industrialization are the leading cause of environmental pollution. However, environmental pollutants such as xenobiotics and heavy metals are of more concern because of their toxicity; in addition, the degradation of both compounds is impossible and persists in the environment for a longer time. Photoautotrophic microorganism such as cyanobacteria is considered to be the potential organism in the process of bioremediation because of its ability to photosynthetically break down toxic heavy metals and xenobiotic compounds into less toxic forms. It is also known to be conventional, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. This chapter highlighted the capability of different genera of cyanobacteria in the biodegradation of heavy metals and xenobiotics. � The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.